So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roofThis phrase indicates a deliberate and public act. The roof of the palace was a significant location, as it was the same place where David had first seen Bathsheba ( 2 Samuel 11:2). The act of pitching a tent on the roof symbolizes a bold and defiant move by Absalom, asserting his claim to the throne. In ancient Near Eastern culture, taking over a king's harem was a declaration of kingship and power. This act was advised by Ahithophel, David's former counselor, as a way to strengthen Absalom's claim and to show a complete break with his father ( 2 Samuel 16:21). and he slept with his father’s concubines
This action fulfilled Nathan's prophecy to David after his sin with Bathsheba, where God declared that He would raise up evil against David from his own house and that his wives would be given to his neighbor (2 Samuel 12:11-12). The act of sleeping with the king's concubines was a grave sin and a public humiliation for David. It was a cultural practice in the ancient world for a successor to assert dominance by taking over the previous king's harem, thus symbolizing the transfer of power and authority. in the sight of all Israel
The public nature of this act was intended to solidify Absalom's position as king in the eyes of the people. It was a demonstration of his power and a statement that he had taken over his father's position. This act was not done in secret but was meant to be a public spectacle, further alienating David and rallying support for Absalom. The phrase underscores the shame and dishonor brought upon David, fulfilling the consequences of his earlier sins. This event also highlights the theme of public versus private sin and the repercussions that follow, a recurring theme in the narrative of David's life. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David who rebelled against his father, seeking to usurp the throne of Israel. His actions in this verse are a demonstration of his defiance and claim to kingship. 2. DavidThe King of Israel and father of Absalom. At this point in the account, David is in retreat from Jerusalem due to Absalom's rebellion. 3. ConcubinesThe women who were part of King David's household. Absalom's act of sleeping with them was a public declaration of his claim to his father's throne. 4. RoofThe location where Absalom's act took place. This is significant as it was a public and visible place, symbolizing the open challenge to David's authority. 5. IsraelThe nation witnessing Absalom's actions, representing the public nature of his rebellion and the impact on the entire kingdom. Teaching Points Consequences of SinDavid's past sins had repercussions that affected his family and kingdom. Our actions can have long-lasting impacts on those around us. Rebellion Against AuthorityAbsalom's actions serve as a warning against rebellion and the importance of respecting God-ordained authority. Public vs. Private SinThe public nature of Absalom's sin highlights the danger of sin that is not only personal but also affects the community. Fulfillment of ProphecyGod's word through the prophets is fulfilled, demonstrating His sovereignty and the certainty of His promises. Repentance and RestorationDespite the rebellion and sin, there is always an opportunity for repentance and seeking God's forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Absalom's rebellion against David reflect the consequences of David's own past sins, and what can we learn about the generational impact of sin? 2. In what ways does Absalom's public act of defiance serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and ambition? 3. How does the fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy in 2 Samuel 12:11-12 demonstrate God's sovereignty and the reliability of His word? 4. What are some modern examples of rebellion against authority, and how can Christians respond in a way that honors God? 5. How can we seek repentance and restoration in our own lives when we recognize the impact of our sins on others? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 35:22This verse recounts Reuben's sin with Bilhah, Jacob's concubine, which parallels Absalom's act as a challenge to paternal authority and a breach of family sanctity. 2 Samuel 12:11-12Nathan's prophecy to David about the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba, predicting that his own household would rise against him, is fulfilled in Absalom's actions. 1 Kings 2:22Adonijah's request to marry Abishag, David's concubine, is seen as a similar political maneuver to claim the throne, echoing Absalom's actions. People Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, ZibaPlaces Bahurim, JerusalemTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Concubines, Father's, Lay, Pitched, Roof, Sight, Spread, Tent, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 16:22 5506 roof
5578 tents
6189 immorality, examples 2 Samuel 16:20-23 5779 advice 2 Samuel 16:21-22 5672 concubines Library But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
8. But although patience be a virtue of the mind, yet partly the mind exercises it in the mind itself, partly in the body. In itself it exercises patience, when, the body remaining unhurt and untouched, the mind is goaded by any adversities or filthinesses of things or words, to do or to say something that is not expedient or not becoming, and patiently bears all evils that it may not itself commit any evil in work or word. By this patience we bear, even while we be sound in body, that in the midst …
St. Augustine—On Patience Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem? Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 16:22 NIV2 Samuel 16:22 NLT2 Samuel 16:22 ESV2 Samuel 16:22 NASB2 Samuel 16:22 KJV
2 Samuel 16:22 Commentaries
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